I don't know, mtnredux. I understand your reasoning, but on the other hand you will have a neutral fabric with unfussy construction. A uniform row of four might give it all just the right amount of detail. The stained wood would be visible regardless of what kind of window treatment you choose. I have no doubt it is beautiful both in finish and color, and making those natural fabric shades recede with an inside mount will just let the wood be the main feature.

hi knowledge!

the window trim is painted, Farrow n Ball Slipper Satin.

we're away .. so I can't send a photo, sorry

If you can do it, with the simple shades you describe, I would want four separate shades. Primarily because it gives you more options about how much each window is covered. And, you may find that the narrower shades are less expensive and don't have seaming issues because of the width.

I envision myself going crazy making all of the shades line up (not to mention a fifth window on another wall!

But, you make a good point .. seams! I need to look into that aspect...

I had a very wide balloon shade that was designed to raise and lower, but I rarely did it because it was so heavy. I'd treat the windows separately. I think it sounds very nice and the simple treatments will give you a very clean look.

I have to disagree with the posters above. I much prefer treating each set of double windows as one. The division in the center would be annoying and possibly let in glare. It would also drive my OCD crazy, as you'd mentioned, in making sure that they are lined up properly.

The only difficulty that I could forsee, is that if you chose a heavy woven shade, which you aren't considering, because that would tend to be very heavy. I've already broken 2 sets of double windowed blackout cell shades, which were replaced by the company. The third replacement I decided to make as 2 separate shades because they are extremely heavy, but the light which pierces the center section, even though the distance is miniscule, is annoying.

Helene

By division, do you mean the window frames? If the shades are made properly there shouldn't be any gaps.

I'd go with separate inside-mounted shades for each window. It's a much cleaner look.

When we first hung shades in the triple keeping room windows I was a little anal about having them all line up. Now I actually prefer a little staggering.

I agree wider shades of any kind are heavier and therefore give the potential of breaking with use over time.
If you can go inside mount with two smaller shades per double window I think you'll be happier in the long run. Though my windows are all separate, I recently purchased inside mount roman shades for each of them and one each for the french doors in the same room. I find it I keep the shades all the way up or all the way down it doesn't affect my OCD other than making sure each one is level at the hem.

I'd go with inside mount and I'd use honeycomb shades as they fold up to almost nothing, if you want to keep the window as clear as possible.